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During the Stuart period, the breed enjoyed tremendous popularity, particularly
under the reigns of Charles I and II. So enamored was
Charles II of the little dog that he reportedly preferred playing and
hunting with his beloved Royal Spaniels rather than tending to matters of
state. He bestowed upon the breed the royal title of King Charles Spaniel
and enacted a law allowing the dog in all public places, including the Houses
of Parliament. The law is still in place today. "Samuel Pepys (the diarist)
noted that Charles returned to England accompanied by his favorite spaniel
and the little dogs were everywhere the king went - council rooms, his bedchamber,
and even church!"* On the night Charles died, several of them lay by the
fire in an adjoining room, creeping in to comfort their master whenever
the door was opened.
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